Vocals Songwriting Voiceovers

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: I wrote and recorded a 10-song CD in my home studio. I sang lead and harmony vocals; played all the instruments (lead and rhythm guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, flute) except for rhythm guitar on one song; programmed the drums; and created the CD artwork. I used all of my musical abilities - including arranging/producing and graphic design skills - to create what I think is an epic work of art. I had to record between the hours of 10 PM and 4 AM because the neighbor's dog barked constantly outside of that time frame!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Writing a contemporary rock/pop song and a classic jazz song. Recording flute solos; vocal leads and harmonies; guitar rhythms and riffs; piano accompaniment to vocalists; and a kids' rock band.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Ron Hagadone

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: If I could go back to fully analog recording, I would do it in a heartbeat. Why? Because analog recording is the capture of the actual vibration, frequency, and energy of living sound, whereas digital is pretty much a cheap, crappy copy. But, we're all mostly doing digital, so digital it is . . . for now!

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: I promise that I will honor our initial contract in word and deed; but if you change your mind, or some "event" in your life occurs mid-project, our agreements will be re-negotiated to ensure that 1) I get paid for my time and 2) you get your project delivered in whatever state it is as the time of change/termination.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I like being in charge of my time and creativity.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: "How much do you charge?" People are stressed out about money, dismissing the importance of building relationships that will ultimately help them achieve their goals and visions. And of course I tell them what I charge!

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: Many people think, incorrectly, that creating music and art is "easy" because artists are "born gifted," and therefore it's not really "work." This notion diminishes the tens of thousands of hours that a seasoned professional offers to their clients. In addition to this, many creative people don't become virtuosos on a single instrument or production aspect: Instead, they diversify and have vast knowledge in many areas that help to round out what they can offer to their clients. I would place myself in that diversified, well-rounded tribe!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: It depends on the person and project, but my main concern is: "What is your intention with this endeavor?" This addresses their expectations on the front end (their creative input) and the back end (how they think they want the finished product to sound).

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Trust your intuition!

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: 1. My flute 2. My acoustic guitar 3. My recording mic 4. My computer 5. My "free energy" device!

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I started singing, playing, and reading music as a young child, and I was always singing along with radio and records and in choirs in my early years. I started formally studying music as a flutist and singer at age 11, and was already writing song lyrics, poetry, and other creative forms of expression. I played flute and piccolo in the orchestra through high school, eventually becoming first chair, while also learning saxophone and oboe, and earned many awards for my efforts. I moved to Los Angeles and studied under many vocal masters (Seth Riggs & Associates), simultaneously learning to play guitar, piano, and bass. During this time, I wrote dozens of song with my main songwriting partner, Al Villanueva, and we performed our songs at open mics. I also began to write songs and to record with my guitar instructor at the time, Ron Hagadone, in a more formal studio he had set up. We eventually formed a record label and produced several CDs, which I promoted to college and community radio stations and programs both nationally and internationally. Many of our songs have been and still are played on radio stations around the world! Ron and I married and have since written and recorded dozens more songs, and we perform as a duo, trio, quartet, etc. depending on the venue. We have a regular weekly gig at a local restaurant. I teach private music lessons, shoot and edit simple music videos, and do graphic design from our studio since 2003.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: classic, timeless, intentional, and a bit mysterious or even enigmatic

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Jimi Page, because his immense talent and experience would help to maximize my abilities, while my unique expression would (ideally) inspire him in new musical directions.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Aim for excellence in artistic expression, not perfection -- that way you will complete many great projects instead of trying to perfect one forever!

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: rock, pop, jazz, folk, eclectic

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: writing lyrics

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: LogicPro + Saffire

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: write lyrics; sing; do voice overs; write songs (melody, lyrics, chords); play flute; play rhythm guitar